W124 Which is best??,Advice Please!!!

[andyman]

Hi all Ive been searching since the end of last year for a GOOD low mileage W201 190E without success so now I've decided to include the W124 CE in my search(also poss saloon)but am not sure which engine is best so if poss could you all post opinions and advice etc here for me to mull over.
At present I'm thinking 230 or 300 12valve CE (or if poss a 320CE)or even a 280 Saloon.
I need some success soon as summer is nearly here :bannana: and I've lots of events to try to get too.
what do you all think???.
Many thanks in advance
Regards Andy.

 

[Fangio]

Afternoon

I think the coupe deserves a six cylinder unit for that smooth sophisticated power delivery.

So, if you are looking at the lower end of the price range, go for the 300 CE. If a bit higher, the 300CE-24 or, at the top, the E320 coupe. All are fantastic machines!

Preferred options are leather and air con, and OE Mercedes wheels. The 15 hole and 8 hole wheels look good, the 80s AMG ones a bit suspect, but the mid 90s AMG monobloc ones look fantastic.

If you have plenty cash, look for one of the last ones, the E36 AMG version - a classic!

 

[Pringles]

For value I would look for an E320 saloon from about 1994 , I was looking for one of these when I found my E36. The E36 is good but the reality is that it is at least twice the price and the ride is firmer/harsher and parts are double in some cases . The interior is identical and performance very similar. E36's came with " Sportline " suspension as standard but if you can find an E320 with sportline, leather, air con etc.... you will get a great car.
Just check and see that it has had haed gasket sorted and new wiring harness or budget for this.

 

[Dieselman]

But you asked "which is best?"

This has to be the 300D if you're not too bothered about performance.

After driving the car about 40 times round the world you can take it to the grave with you.

 

[DITTRICH]

...yes, Dieselman is right. I am finalising a deal on an 300D estate. I used to think my C230K was pretty solid - until I sat in a W124 . On the continent, they did a turbo diesel version (147bhp) but there was no room for it when they swapped the steering wheel over for us Brits.
Les

 

[Ian B Walker]

Ah another member to the all famous W124 Club

 

[KLP 92]

Without doubt its the Brabus 3.6 coupe

 

[andyman]

Thanks for the replies so far everyone, much appreciated :bannana:

 

[TOPMERCS]

HI mate, i personally have a e220 1995, i must say its not too bad on power,and for fuel its better than the others, but saying that in my opinion the 6 cylnders are the best for comfort,smoothness and power,personally if i could i would look for one that has a factory sportline kit.,and if power is not the priority then definatly go for the 300d. - Wish you good luck and let us know when u get it.

 

[Howard]

If power is not a problem and you want a coupe, you wont find a diesel one .......

the 230 ce is cool too , pretty good on fuel, i cruised to bruntingthorpe and back on half a tank at 90 mph . Its no street racer, but it holds it own .

 

[janner]

My choice would be the 300ce-24 without a catalytic converter. It's faster than a 320, no wiring harness problems and as cheap as a cheap thing.

 

[janner]

seen this on autotrader..

1991 MERCEDES-BENZ 300 CE 24v COUPE
ALMANDINE RED METALLIC,FULL CREAM LEATHER,E/SEATS,E/MIRRORS,4X E/WINDOWS,P.A.S,AIR-CON,SUNROOF,CD AND SPEAKER SYSTEM,HEATED SEATS,FULL CLOSURE ALARM,ALLOYS,FULL SERVICE HISTORY + LOADS OF BILLS AND MOTS,5 MONTHS TAX,8 MONTHS MOT. . £2495 .

pic

 

[Apial]

My choice would be the 300ce-24 without a catalytic converter. It's faster than a 320, no wiring harness problems and as cheap as a cheap thing.

With Sportline suspension too.

 

[andyman]

Thanks again everyone but I'm confused(as usual!!) because I was told that the 300 24vlaver was prone to head problems???,
Must admit I keep thinking I should try to go for a mint 230 or even a 220 CE though I would prefere the option of removing the CAT Conv which I dont think I could do on a 220!!??.
Also I dont expect to beat them but I would like to be able to keep up with my two good mates who have a 97 GTV 2.0 and another who has a 99 Lexus IS200 !!! (Especially considering they both dislike the Mercs!!).

Thoughts Dears Please :bannana:

 

[Howard]

you'll need at least a 3 litre to keep up with the Lexus......

There is a Brabus 3.6 CE for sale on the forum at the moment

its good for 170mph and 0-60 in 5 secs

that should do it !!

 

[Will]

Don't think you would need the Brabus to shy off an IS200, they're pretty slow IIRC!
And the 2.0 GTV isn't too much to worry about, probably quicker than the Lexus, but similar performance to the 300CE-24 I would have guessed?

But I must say that I respect your sensible decision - buy the best car you can, condition is everything at this point in the market!

Hope you find a nice one (whatever you choose! )

Will

 

[Howard]

Don't think you would need the Brabus to shy off an IS200, they're pretty slow IIRC!
And the 2.0 GTV isn't too much to worry about, probably quicker than the Lexus, but similar performance to the 300CE-24 I would have guessed?

But I must say that I respect your sensible decision - buy the best car you can, condition is everything at this point in the market!

Hope you find a nice one (whatever you choose! )

Will

I thought an IS200 was 200 bhp ? used to see off 2.0 GTV's in my J reg CRX VTEC

 

[LazyBob]

I had an 87 300E and it was demonic in the acceleration dept (particularly when the cruise control was recovering the set speed) - the tiny 15" tyres just couldn't cope. I'm sure it was only 180hp or so, but they were proper german horses none of your new forest pony stuff. Not sure if it would out-do your mates cars but at least you wouldn't get laughed at. Bigger rubber is a must.

 

[Will]

I thought an IS200 was 200 bhp ? used to see off 2.0 GTV's in my J reg CRX VTEC

Nah - a pretty wheezy 150 odd which is pretty bad for a 6 cylinder engine!

Taken directly from the manufacturer's site:

0-60 is 9.5 seconds for a manual version - find an auto and it is 11.2!

I think you'd do better to get out and run!

I would imagine a 15 year old 230CE Auto would be of similar performance to an IS200 auto if those figures are correct! A 300CE-24 should do a lot better.

Will

 

[Dieselman]

I agree with Will here.
The best bit about an IS200 is the sound, V6 sounds good but is at best wheezy with no torque.